Senior Energy Specialist (Sector Planning, Regulation and Utility Reform) at African Development Bank - AfDB

Position Number: 50071195
Location: Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
Position Grade: PL5

The Complex

• The Vice Presidency for ‘Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth’ is a Sector Complex focusing on the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy and first High 5s priority of “Light up and Power Africa”
• The complex’s objectives are to develop policy and strategy; to provide deep sector technical expertise to the Regions by gathering pool of experienced individuals who can be consulted for their expertise on complicated transactions; to develop new financing instruments; to act as spokesperson to represent the Bank with external stakeholders on all aspects of “Light Up and Power Africa”.
• The Complex will focus on areas of Power systems, policy and regulation, renewable energy; and, Climate and Green Growth.

The Department

• The Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulations department is responsible for advising Regional Member Countries in the establishment of relevant policies and regulations as well as to structure energy investments, provide financing and mobilize resources including through blended finance instruments.
• The department is also responsible for coordinating relevant flagship programs, including through Technical Assistance support to relevant stakeholders in the Bank’s member countries.
• Under the department there are two divisions, namely: (1) Energy Policy, Regulations and Statistics Division and (2) Financial Solutions Division.

The Hiring Division

• The Energy Policy, Regulations, and Statistics Division provides leadership in the establishment of relevant energy policies and clear, predictable and transparent regulation framework to ensure financial stability of the sector and mobilization of private investments.

The Position

• The role of the Energy Specialist (Sector Planning, Regulation and Utility Reform) involves providing expert advice and support to governments, regulatory bodies, and utilities to enhance energy sector performance, implement necessary reforms, and achieve national and regional energy goals.
• The Energy Specialist will be instrumental in shaping policies, designing projects, and fostering partnerships that contribute to the broader objectives of universal energy access and energy security.
• The role requires expertise in energy sector dynamics, including energy systems and planning, regulatory frameworks, utility operations, alongside the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.

Key Functions
Under the general guidance and overall supervision of the Division Manager, Energy Policy, Regulation, and Statistics, the Energy Specialist (Sector Planning, Regulation and Utility Reform) will perform the following:

• Carry out power sector assessments and evaluate institutional and regulatory environments in the energy sector to identify opportunities for strategic support and intervention, ensuring alignment with the Bank's goals and the specific needs of Regional Member Countries (RMC).
• Lead the formulation of comprehensive energy sector plans aligned with national development goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure delivery of the New Deal on Energy for Africa objectives.
• Provide policy advice to governments on energy sector reforms, including strategies for the design of energy markets, reform of utilities, tariff setting, energy transition, energy security and financial viability of energy initiatives.
• Support energy sector planning initiatives and utilize innovative approaches to support demand forecasting and resource assessment in RMCs. Collaborate with stakeholders to plan the expansion, modernization, and diversification of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure.
• Monitor and support the evolution, design, and harmonization of energy regulatory frameworks in RMCs and Regional Economic Communities (REC), promoting competition, efficiency, and sustainability in the sector.
• Build capacity within regulatory bodies through training and technical assistance on best practices in energy regulation, enforcement and utility management.
• Develop strategies to enhance operational efficiency and financial sustainability of energy utilities, including supporting utility transformation efforts, design of new business models, strengthening corporate governance structures, and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Support the development and promotion of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to strengthen power sector regulatory frameworks, enhance utility operations and service delivery, and mobilize private sector investments in RMCs.
• Coordinate energy initiatives and programs with regional bodies such as the African Union, RECs, Development Financial Institutions and other partners.
• Support the design of energy sector projects, ensuring alignment with broader energy strategies, national development goals and financial and technical feasibility.
• Contribute to the generation and dissemination of knowledge on best practices in energy sector planning, regulation, energy innovation, utility reform and innovative financing mechanisms.

Competencies (Skills, Experience, and Knowledge)

• Hold at least a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or Energy Planning or Energy Economics, Policy Studies/Analysis or related field.
• Have a minimum of five (5) years relevant professional experience in utility operations, power systems planning, regulation and policy analysis.
• Knowledge of electricity market design/operations, electricity/energy services tariff regulation and design, and restructuring of electricity utilities.
• Experience in power system planning, including use of advanced modelling techniques.
• Experience in conducting comprehensive assessments of power system demand analysis and energy policies to enhance operational efficiency and least cost electrification
• Strong communicator with ability to articulate ideas to achieve support and consensus among stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex issues and proffer effective solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to understand the needs of clients and customise solutions to meet their objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within diverse teams and foster collaboration.
• Capable of making effective and timely decisions to ensure project success.
• Comprehensive understanding of the principles of project life cycles and project implementation to ensure successful outcomes.
• Competent in interacting with government and donor agency representatives, as well as with the private sector.
• Demonstrated ability to leverage the strengths and expertise of team members to achieve project goals.
• Capacity to initiate and manage innovative practices and drive organisational change.
• Proficient communicator in French or English, with a good working knowledge of the other language.
• Competent in standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint); knowledge of SAP is desirable.